Maruti Suzuki recalls over 87,000 vehicles

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: July 25, 2023, 03:03 PM IST

Maruti Suzuki, India's largest automaker, has issued a recall for 87,599 units of the S-Presso and Eeco models in India due to a potential steering system defect. This marks the fourth recall by the brand in 2023. The affected models were manufactured between 5th July 2021 and 15th February 2023. Maruti Suzuki's authorised service centres and workshops will contact the owners of the affected vehicles to address the issue. The company will carry out inspections and replace the faulty parts free of charge.

According to a statement released by Maruti Suzuki, the recall is in response to a potential fault in a component of the steering-wheel tie rod. In rare cases, this defect may lead to a breakage, affecting the vehicle's steer ability and handling.

This year's earlier recalls by Maruti Suzuki include 17,362 units of various models, such as Baleno, Alto K10, Grand Vitara, S-Presso, and Brezza, manufactured between 8 December, 2022 and 12 January, 2023, for a potential defect in the airbag controller unit, which, the brand stated, in rare case might result in non-deployment of the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, in the event of a vehicle crash.

Additionally, in January, 11,177 units of the Grand Vitara were recalled for a suspected issue with the rear seatbelt mounting brackets, which in a rare case, could loosen in the long run and impact its functionality. These units were manufactured between 8 August, 2022 and 15, November, 2022. Toyota also had to recall the Urban Cruiser Hyryder for the same problem.

Further, in April, 7,213 units of the Baleno RS, produced between 27 October, 2016 and 1 November, 2019, were recalled due to a potential fault in the braking system's vacuum pump. The recall was issued to address a suspected defect, which assists the braking function. The carmaker said that the possibly affected vehicles may require an increased effort in brake pedal application.